Light pipe for a pluggable module

ABSTRACT

A pluggable module for use in a networking system includes a body with an electrical interface configured to be inserted into networking equipment; a head connected to the body and including a handle; and a light pipe with an entry in or near the body, the light pipe configured to provide light from inside the body to the handle. The body can include a light source directed towards the entry. The light source can be a Light Emitting Diode (LED). Advantageously, this disclosure provides an ability to support status lights in a very small surface area on a pluggable module.

CROSS-REFERENCE

The present disclosure is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 17/079,602, filed Oct. 26, 2020, the contents of which areincorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to optical networking systems.More particularly, the present disclosure relates to elements forprotecting network equipment during shipment of the network equipment toa field location, e.g., a data center, central office, customerpremises, etc. and for a light pipe in a pluggable module.

BACKGROUND

Networking equipment used in an optical system is manufactured in afactory and then run through a number of tests at the factory to ensurethat all the various parts are working properly and are compatible witheach other. After testing, the equipment can be shipped to a site (e.g.,data center or other location) where the equipment will be installed andused. This networking equipment may include physical components (e.g.,shelves, cabinets, racks, chassis, etc.) for physically supportingoptical and/or electrical devices (e.g., modules, line cards, cards,circuit packs, plug receptacle cages, pluggable modules, fiber opticcables, etc.). Normally, each individual component of the networkingequipment is shipped separately from the other components in its own boxor container. Then, the equipment can be set up at the site, which mayinclude connecting various components together, and then the equipmentcan be put online for use.

However, the processes of setting up all the equipment and attaching thecomponents together in the correct way can be complex andtime-consuming. Typically, an expert may be required to travel to thesite in order to set up the equipment, which may be an expensive servicefor the customer. Some customers on site may be able to set theequipment, but this may require a great amount of effort, cost, andinstallation time. Also, an inexperienced installer may easily makemistakes during installation, which would require extra time and effortto troubleshoot any set up errors.

Normally, the equipment is packaged and shipped in multiple boxes andcontainers to protect each of the component during the shipping process.For example, if one component (e.g., a pluggable module) were to beinserted into a socket of another component (e.g., a circuit pack) suchthat the connectors of the two components were engaged, the pins andcontacts of these connectors could easily be damaged by the vibrationsthat would normally be experienced during shipment. To avoid excessivewear to these connectors, the normal procedure for shipping the networkequipment includes keeping the components separated from each other.

There is a need in the field of networking systems to provide systemsand methods that overcome the above-mentioned issues with theconventional shipping procedures. For example, there is a need toprovide protection for the networking equipment during the shippingprocess while also simplifying the installation process on site.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure protection systems, methods, and devices forprotecting an optical networking system during a shipping process.According to one implementation of the present disclosure, an opticalnetworking system includes a card having one or more sockets, each ofthe one or more sockets including a connector device. the opticalnetworking system further includes one or more pluggable modules, eachpluggable module including an interface configured to connect with theconnector device of a respective socket when the pluggable module isfully seated in the respective socket. Also, the optical networkingsystem includes a first protection element configured to be held inplace near a front edge of the one or more sockets. The first protectionelement may be configured to allow the one or more pluggable modules tobe arranged in a partially inserted position within the one or morerespective sockets. Also, the first protection element is furtherconfigured to block the one or more pluggable modules from being fullyseated in the one or more sockets to thereby prevent the interface ofeach of the one or more pluggable modules from contacting the connectordevice of the respective socket.

According to another implementation, the present disclosure may bedirected to a protection apparatus configured to protect an opticalnetworking system during a shipping process. The protection apparatusmay include a first protection element configured to be held in placenear a front edge of one or more sockets of a card, where each of theone or more sockets may include a connector device. The first protectionelement may be configured to allow one or more pluggable modules to bearranged in a partially inserted position within the one or morerespective sockets. Each pluggable module may include an interfaceconfigured to connect with the connector device of a respective socketwhen the pluggable module is fully seated in the respective socket. Thefirst protection element is further configured to block the one or morepluggable modules from being fully seated in the one or more sockets tothereby prevent the interface of each of the one or more pluggablemodules from contacting the connector device of the respective socket.

According to yet another implementation, a method for preparing anoptical networking system for shipping is provided. The method mayinclude the steps of fastening a first protection element to a faceplate of a card and inserting a pluggable module into a socket on thecard until a step or beveled edge of the pluggable module contacts thefirst protection element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is illustrated and described herein withreference to the various drawings. Like reference numbers are used todenote like components/steps, as appropriate. Unless otherwise noted,components depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams illustrating isometric views of a pluggablemodule, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of the pluggablemodule of FIGS. 1 and 2 inserted into one of a number of sockets of acircuit pack, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a front view of the sockets of thecircuit pack shown in FIG. 3 with the pluggable module inserted into thesocket, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of a line cardconfigured to support one or more plug receptacle cages with a firstprotection element connected to a faceplate supporting a circuit pack,according to various embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a front view of the sockets andfaceplate shown in FIG. 5 with the first protection element installed,according to various embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of the line card ofFIG. 5 with multiple pluggable modules inserted into multiple sockets ofthe circuit pack with the first protection element installed, accordingto various embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an isometric close-up view of themultiple pluggable modules and the first protection element shown inFIG. 7 , according to various embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a front view of the first protectionelement, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a back view of the first protectionelement, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a top view of the first protectionelement, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of the firstprotection element, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of a line cardconfigured to support one or more plug receptacle cages with a secondprotection element connected to a faceplate supporting a circuit pack,according to various embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a front view of the faceplate shown inFIG. 13 with the second protection element installed thereon, accordingto various embodiments.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of the line card ofFIG. 13 with multiple pluggable modules inserted into multiple socketsof the circuit pack with the second protection element installed,according to various embodiments.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an isometric close-up view of themultiple pluggable modules and second protection element shown in FIG.15 , according to various embodiments.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a front view of the second protectionelement, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a back view of the second protectionelement, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a bottom view of the second protectionelement, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of the secondprotection element, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of a thirdprotection element installed on a faceplate supporting a circuit pack,according to various embodiments.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a front view of sockets of the circuitpack and the third protection element shown in FIG. 21 , according tovarious embodiments.

FIGS. 23 and 24 are diagrams illustrating perspective views of the thirdprotection element, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of the thirdprotection element being removed, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a front perspective view of the thirdprotection element, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a back perspective view of the thirdprotection element, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of a fourthprotection element installed on a faceplate supporting a circuit pack,according to various embodiments.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a top view of the fourth protectionelement in use, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a front isometric view of the fourthprotection element, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a back isometric view of the fourthprotection element, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of some of thecomponents of a connection indicator system to be installed on apluggable module, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of the connectionindicator system of FIG. 32 installed on the pluggable module, accordingto various embodiments.

FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating a side cross-sectional view of theconnection indicator system, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 35 is a flow diagram illustrating a process to be performed at afactory for preparing networking equipment for shipping, according tovarious embodiments.

FIG. 36 is a flow diagram illustrating a process to be performed at adata center for setting up the networking equipment for operation,according to various embodiments.

FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of a shelf with linecards installed and protection elements installed, according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating a close-up isometric view of theprotection elements shown in FIG. 37 , according to various embodiments.

FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of a shelf withprotection elements installed and line cards pushed into contact withthe protection elements, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating a close-up isometric view of the shelfshown in FIG. 39 with the line cards pushed into contact with theprotection elements, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of a shelf withprotection elements installed and line card being inserted, according tovarious embodiments.

FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating a close-up isometric view of the shelfshown in FIG. 41 with front spacers inserted, according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of a shelf with ashipping bracket installed on a front of the shelf, according to variousembodiments.

FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of the shelf shownin FIG. 43 with the shipping bracket connected to the shelf forshipping, according to various embodiments.

FIGS. 45 and 46 are diagrams illustrating close-up isometric views ofthe shelf shown in FIG. 43 showing the details of the protectionelements, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 47 is a flow diagram illustrating a process to be performed at afactory for preparing networking equipment for shipping, according tovarious embodiments.

FIG. 48 is a flow diagram illustrating a process to be performed at adata center for setting up the networking equipment for operation,according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to protection elements for protectingnetworking equipment during a shipping process. According to the variousembodiments, the protection elements are configured to allow thecomponents of the networking equipment to be “partially” installed(e.g., pre-cabled). In other words, the various parts may be insertedpart of the way into corresponding sockets or slid along correspondingrails, depending on the respective components being connected. Since thecomponents are only partly inserted and not fully inserted, thecorresponding connectors on one device will not be in contact with (orengaged with) the connectors on another device. For instance, apluggable module may be inserted a certain distance into a correspondingsocket of a circuit pack, but not far enough where the connector pins ofthe pluggable module would contact the corresponding connector pads ofthe circuit pack. Also, the circuit pack can be inserted as well in ashelf. In this position, the networking equipment can be shipped in thepartial installation state so that the vibration and other forces thatmay normally be experienced during shipping will not cause theconnectors to suffer from unnecessary wear.

In particular, the protection element described in the presentdisclosure act as a blocking element for preventing certain componentsof the networking equipment to be fully engaged with the correspondingcontacts, connectors, sockets, or other receptable elements. Whilepreventing full insertion, the protection elements can also be part ofan overall packaging system that are configured to protect thenetworking equipment during shipping. Therefore, the entire packagingsystem can hold the components together in a way where the componentswill not bump against each other or cause excessive friction or stresson other components.

While the networking equipment can be shipped in this condition wherethe components are partially inserted and the components do not moveexcessively with respect to each other, the protection elements can thenbe easily removed at the data center or other site where the networkingequipment will be housed. Once these protection elements are removed,then the components, previously prevented from full insertion duringshipping, can be easily inserted fully in the corresponding receptablesor spaces. Since the components have already been pre-installedpartially at the factory in the correct connection patterns, theinstaller on site should have no difficulty completing the installation.

In a cabled-fabric system, it may be desirable to ship a pre-cabledsystem to simplify the set up process on site. However, one problem isthat shipping pre-seated connectors may cause connector wear due toshipping vibration. For example, this can cause the gold to wear off ofcertain contacts and can lead to premature failure or de-graded signals.The present disclosure provides systems and methods for solving theissue of pre-cabled systems by creating customized protection elements,such as plastic frame pieces, tines, combs, etc. that act as spacersduring shipment. The spacers allow the pluggable modules (e.g., QuadSmall Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP) devices, Double Density QSFP(QSFP-DD) devices or any other type of pluggable module) to be insertedinto their sockets or cages, but not fully seated into the correspondingconnector.

An advantage of pre-cabling the optical system at the factory is that aperson has access to all sides of a rack or shelf, which is often notthe case on premises of a data center. According to various embodiments,a physical spacer, which is referred to in the present disclosure as a“protection element,” prevents a pluggable module from being fullyseated within a socket. This spacer or protection element can beinstalled on the optical equipment before being shipped. After shipping,the customer, user, operator, installer, or other authorized person atthe data center who may be able to set up the equipment can then easilyremove the protection elements and completely seat the pluggable modulesin the sockets. This allows a manufacturer to ship a pre-tested andfactory-cabled system to its customers who may not want to or may beunable to set up or attach the cables themselves.

Thus, the system can be constructed and cabled in the factory and thentested. After testing, instead of completely breaking down the system,the pluggable modules can be pulled out partially to a partiallyinserted position so that the protection elements can be installed.Thus, the same cable configuration is maintained without completedisconnection. When the complete partially inserted system shows up onsite, all the cables, sockets, etc. are already matched up to simplifythe completion of the set-up with proper connections. The set-up is doneat the factory, such that there is no need for an installer to travel tothe site to do the work of setting up. The connections can be matched inthe correct way in the controlled environment.

It may be noted that this process saves on shipping boxes since all thecomponents would not be shipped in separate containers, but the entiresystem may be placed in one container. This, of course, may also bebetter for the environment

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the features of thepresent disclosure in order that the detailed description may be betterunderstood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may bebetter appreciated. There are additional features of the variousembodiments that will be described herein. It is to be understood thatthe present disclosure is not limited to the details of construction andto the arrangements of the components set forth in the followingdescription or illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the embodiments ofthe present disclosure may be capable of other implementations andconfigurations and may be practiced or carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed are for the purpose of description and should not be regardedas limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the inventiveconception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilizedas a basis for the designing of other structures, methods, and systemsfor carrying out the several purposes described in the presentdisclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that theembodiments may include various equivalent constructions insofar as theydo not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will beapparent from the following detailed description of exemplaryembodiments which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Protecting Pluggable Modules within Line Cards

FIGS. 1 and 2 show isometric views of an embodiment of a pluggablemodule 10, where FIG. 1 shows a front side of the pluggable module 10and FIG. 2 shows a back side. The pluggable module 10 may also bereferred to as a pluggable optical transceiver, an optical connectivitydevice, etc. In this embodiment, the pluggable module 10 includeselectrical and optical elements residing within a housing that includesa head 12 and an elongated body 14. Some of the electrical and opticalelements may be partially exposed. For example, a front side of the head12 of the pluggable module 10 includes an optical interface. Also, aback end of the elongated body 14 includes an electrical interface 18.In particular, the electrical interface 18 may include pins, contacts,or other electrically conductive elements that are configured to beplaced into contact with connection elements of a corresponding socket.It is these connector elements of the electrical interface 18 that areto be protected during the shipment of the optical networking equipment.

The housing of the pluggable module 10 may include a first step 20 wherea top surface 22 of the head 12 is above a top surface 24 of theelongated body 14. This first step 20 creates an abutment 26 on aportion of a rear-facing surface of the head 12. The abutment 26 maycome into contact with an edge of a socket when the pluggable module 10is fully inserted in the socket. Also, this abutment 26 may instead comeinto contact a protection element, as described in various embodimentsin the present disclosure, which may be placed at this edge of thesocket so that the protection element will be in between the abutment 26and the edge of the socket to prevent the pluggable module 10 from beingfully inserted in the socket. As such, the electrical interface 18 ofthe pluggable module 10 will not be seated within the socket so as tomake electrical contact with the electrical connector elements of thesocket. In some embodiments, the housing of the pluggable module 10 mayinclude a beveled edge to provide a sloped surface from the top surface22 of the head 12 to the top surface 24 of the elongated body 14.

Similarly, a second step 27 may be formed where a bottom surface 28 ofthe head 12 is below a bottom surface 30 of the elongated body 14. Thesecond step 27 creates another abutment on a portion of the rear-facingsurface of the head 12. This second abutment may also come into contactwith the edge of the socket when the pluggable module 10 is fullyinserted in the socket or may instead come into contact with aprotection element installed at the edge of the socket. Also, thehousing may be configured to include another beveled edge to provide asloped surface from the bottom surface 28 of the head 12 to the bottomsurface 30 of the elongated body 14. The pluggable module 10 may alsoinclude a handle 32 that can be used for inserting the pluggable module10 into a corresponding socket.

The pluggable module 10 may have any suitable optical and electricalconfiguration and may have a housing having any suitable size or shape.Also, various types of pluggable modules may be configured to connectionto various numbers of optical cables as well as electrical cables. ASmall Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) is a pluggable network interfacemodule used for both telecommunication and data communicationsapplications. A socket on corresponding networking hardware may beconfigured as a modular slot for receiving the SFP device to connect afiber optic cable. The SFP device may be configured to supportSynchronous Optical Networking (SONET), Gigabit Ethernet, Fiber Channel,PON, and other communications standards and may support speeds up to 25Gbit/s. A Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP) is a pluggable modulefor supporting four lanes to enable speeds of up to four times the speedof the SFP (i.e., up to 100 Gbit/s). The pluggable module 10 may also beconfigured as a QSFP56 device which provides speeds up to 200 Gbit/s.Also, the pluggable module 10 may be configured as a Double Density (DD)SFP (SFP-DD) for speeds up to 100 Gbit/s over two lanes or a QSFP-DD forspeeds up to 400 Gbit/s over eight lanes. Of course, the presentdisclosure contemplates various other types of pluggable modules,including Multi-Source Agreement (MSA)-defined modules as well as vendorproprietary implementations.

FIG. 3 shows a portion of optical networking equipment, include one ormore plug receptacle cages 34 mounted to a faceplate 36 of a shelf,cabinet, box, or other structure for supporting the optical and/orelectrical components of the optical networking equipment. FIG. 4 showsa front view of the faceplate 36 and sockets 38. Also, FIGS. 3 and 4show the pluggable module 10 inserted into one of the sockets 38 of oneof the plug receptacle cages 34. The plug receptacle cages 34 mayinclude a plurality of sockets 38 into which a plurality of pluggablemodules may be inserted. A single pluggable module (e.g., pluggablemodule 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 ) is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 inserted into oneof the sockets 38. The sockets 38 may have a top edge 40, a bottom edge42, and side edges surrounding and/or defining an aperture into whichthe pluggable modules 10 may be inserted.

To plug the pluggable module 10 into the socket 38, an installer maygrasp the handle 32 at the front end and insert the elongated body 14into the aperture of the socket 38. The installer may then push thepluggable module 10 forward (e.g., using the handle 32) so that theelongated body 14 slides within the socket 38 (cages) until theelectrical interface 18 is engaged with the corresponding connectorelements of the plug receptacle cages 34. When fully inserted, as shownin FIG. 3 , the top and bottom steps/abutments (e.g., steps 20, 27,abutment 26, etc.) of the pluggable module 10 may contact thecorresponding top and bottom edges of the socket 38.

In some embodiments, the sockets 38 located on a top row may be orientedso as to accept the pluggable modules 10 in a right-side up manner. Thesockets 38 located on a bottom row may be oriented in an inverted mannerso as to accept the pluggable modules 10 in an upside-down manner.

FIG. 5 shows a view of a line card 48 (e.g., card, substrate, board,etc.) configured to support one or more arrays of plug receptacle cages34. As shown in FIG. 5 , a first embodiment of a protection element 50is connected to the faceplate 36 that supports the plug receptacle cages34. FIG. 6 shows a front view of the sockets 38 and the faceplate 36,with the protection element 50 installed. When the protection element 50is installed on the faceplate 36, a top arm of the protection element 50may be configured to be adjacent to the top edge 40 of the top row ofsockets 38 and a bottom arm of the protection element 50 may beconfigured to be adjacent to the top edge 40 of the bottom row of(upside-down) sockets 38.

The protection element 50 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 may be used with anytype of line card (e.g., line card 48) having a physical structure atthe front of the line card that allows the protection element 50 to beremoved by sliding it to the side (e.g., toward the left from theperspective of FIG. 6 ). For example, the line card may have a physicalpart 52 that extends out horizontally, but would not interfere with theprotection element 50 as it is being slid off to the side, which can beseen more clearly in FIG. 5 .

It may be understood that the depth of the protection element 50 may beconfigured to prevent the pluggable module 10 from being fully insertedinto the socket 38, but allows the elongated body 14 of the pluggablemodule 10 to be partially inserted therein.

Therefore, for shipping purposes, the protection element 50 can beinstalled on the faceplate 36 and the pluggable modules 10 can bepartially inserted into the correct sockets 38. Then, when thenetworking equipment has been delivered to the site (e.g., data center),the protection element 50 can be removed, such as by sliding it to theside, allowing the user to easily push the pluggable modules 10 furtherinto the apertures of the sockets 38 for connection engagement.

FIG. 7 shows a view of the line card 48 where multiple pluggable modules10 have been partially inserted into multiple sockets 38 of the plugreceptacle cages 34 with the first embodiment of the protection element50 installed. FIG. 8 shows a close-up view of the multiple pluggablemodules 10 and the first protection element 50.

FIGS. 9-12 show different views of the protection element 50 accordingto the first embodiment. FIG. 9 shows a front view of the protectionelement 50, FIG. 10 shows a back view, FIG. 11 shows a top view, andFIG. 12 shows an isometric view. The protection element 50, according tothis embodiment, includes a top arm 56, a bottom arm 58, and a shoulder60 connected to one end of the top arm 56 and bottom arm 58. Theprotection element 50 further includes a connecting arm 62 that isattached to another end of the bottom arm 58 via an elbow 64. Theconnecting arm 62 is attachable to the top arm 56 by a latch 66. Theshoulder 60 may include a tab 68 that allow a user to easily hold ontothe protection element 50 for sliding the protection element 50 awayfrom the sockets 38. The tab 68 may include a fastening aperture 69 forallowing the protection element 50 to be secured to the faceplate 36 forkeeping the protection element 50 in place at the edges of the sockets38. The line card 48 may include corresponding physical features on thefaceplate 36, which may be aligned with the fastening aperture 69 toallow the protection element 50 to be fastened to the faceplate 36.

To insert the protection element 50, a shipper may simply place theprotection element 50 (with the latch 66 latched) over the edges of thesockets 38. In some cases, the shipper may unlatch the latch 66 firstbefore placing the protection element 50 over the edges, and then latchthe latch 66 thereafter. Then, the shipper may affix the protectionelement 50 to the faceplate 36, such as by screwing a screw through thefastening aperture 69 and through a corresponding screw hole in thefaceplate 36. Once the protection element 50 is attached, the pluggablemodules 10 may be partially inserted into their proper sockets 38 untilthe abutments or beveled edges abut the top arm 56 of the protectionelement 50. Other shipping components or shipping materials may be used(e.g., zip ties, foam, etc.) to hold the pluggable modules 10 in theirpartially inserted position so that they will not slide out of thesockets 38.

When the networking equipment has been delivered to the site where theequipment will operate, a person on site can then easily set up theequipment for use. For example, once the shipping components have beenremoved, the user may disconnect the fastener (e.g., screw) from thefastening aperture 69. Then, the user can unlatch the latch 66 and slidethe protection element 50 to the side to free the protection element 50from the sockets. This also allows the pluggable modules 10 to be pushedforward further into the corresponding sockets 38 to cause theelectrical interface 18 to engage with the connector elements of thesocket 38. Also, with the pluggable modules 10 already matched with thecorrect socket 38, the user can easily connect the equipment without anytrouble.

FIG. 13 show a second embodiment of a protection element 70 that isconnected to another type of line card 72 (e.g., card, substrate, board,etc.) having a physical part 74 that extends in a vertical direction.Since this configuration of the line card 72 might not allow the firstprotection element 50 to be easily removed, since it might not be ableto slide to the side in that case, the protection element 70 accordingto this second embodiment is coordinated with the line card 72 design toallow the protection element 70 to also be easily removed in a differentway.

The line card 72 is configured to support one or more plug receptaclecages 34, which may be the same as or similar to the plug receptaclecages 34 discussed above with respect to FIGS. 5 and 7 . Again, the plugreceptacle cages 34 include sockets 38 that may also be the same as orsimilar to the sockets 38 discussed above with respect to FIGS. 3-8 .The protection element 70 of this second embodiment may be connected toa faceplate 76 that supports the plug receptacle cages 34.

FIG. 14 illustrates a front view of the faceplate 76 and the sockets 38exposed through the faceplate 76. The sockets 38 may also be arrangedwith a top row and a bottom row, where the bottom row may be configuredto receive the pluggable modules 10 upside-down. Thus, a top portion andbottom portion of the second protection element 70, when installed, maybe configured adjacent to the edge of the sockets 38 configured next tothe top surface 24 of the elongated body 14 of the pluggable module 10as the pluggable module 10 is being inserted therein.

FIG. 15 shows a view of the line card 72 of FIG. 13 with multiplepluggable modules 10 partially inserted into multiple sockets 38 of theplug receptacle cages 34 with the second protection element 70installed. FIG. 16 show a close-up view of the multiple pluggablemodules 10 and the second protection element 70. Again, the protectionelement 70 blocks the pluggable modules 10 from being fully inserted inthe sockets 38, but allows them to be positioned within their matchingsockets 38 during shipping.

FIGS. 17-20 illustrate different views of the protection element 70according to the second embodiment. FIG. 17 is a front view of thesecond protection element 70, FIG. 18 is a back view, FIG. 19 is abottom view, and FIG. 20 is an isometric view. The protection element 70is configured for use in an environment where it may impossible ordifficult to be removed by sliding it to the side. In this embodiment,the protection element 70 can be unlatched and folded in any suitableway to allow it to be removed by pulling it straight out from thesockets 38.

The protection element 70 includes a top arm 80, a vertical member 82attached to the top arm 80 by a first elbow 84, a bottom arm 86 attachedto the vertical member 82 by a second elbow 88, and a connecting arm 90attached to the bottom arm 86 by a third elbow 92. The connecting arm 90and top arm 80 include associated elements that form a latch 94 forlatching the connecting arm to the top arm 80. Also, the connecting arm90 includes a fastening element 96 having an aperture or other suitablefeatures for enabling the protection element 70 to be fastened to thefaceplate 76. As shown in FIG. 20 , the vertical member 82 includes anextension 98 that extends out from the vertical member 82. The user mayhold onto the extension 98 when the protection element 70 is beingremoved.

FIG. 21 shows a third embodiment of a protection element 100 that may beinstalled on a faceplate 102 that supports plug receptacle cages 34,which may be the same as or similar to the plug receptacle cages 34described above. FIG. 22 shows a front view of sockets 38, which may bethe same as or similar to the sockets 38 described above, with the thirdprotection element 100 installed. FIGS. 23 and 24 show images of thethird protection element 100 in use. As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 , asimilar type of pluggable module 104 is shown.

In this example, the pluggable module 104 includes top beveled edge 106that comes into contact with the protection element 100 when thepluggable module 104 is inserted in the socket 38 as far as it can go.Because of the depth of the protection element 100 and because thepluggable module 104 is blocked by the protection element 100, thepluggable module 104 cannot be inserted fully within the socket 38. Atop row of sockets 38 receives the pluggable modules 104 in a right sideup manner such that the top beveled edge 106 contacts the top portion ofthe protection element 100. A bottom row of sockets 38 receives thepluggable modules 104 in an upside-down manner such that the top bevelededge 106 contacts the bottom portion of the protection element 100.

Fiber optic cable 108 may also be attached to the pluggable modules 104,which allows pre-cabling at the factory to make proper connectionswithout relying on an expert at the data center. It may also be notedthat handles 110 of the pluggable modules 104 (as with the handles 32 ofpluggable modules 10) may be further configured to provide protectionfor the fiber optic cables 108.

FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of the third protection element 100 asit is being removed, such as by sliding the protection element 100towards the right.

FIG. 26 shows a front perspective view of the protection element 100according to third embodiment. FIG. 27 shows a back view of the thirdprotection element 100. The protection element 100 includes a top arm114, a bottom arm 116, and a shoulder 118 attached to the top arm 114and bottom arm 116. The protection element 100 also includes a tab 120that a user can grasp while sliding the protection element 100 to theright to remove it from its position next to the sockets 38. Also, theprotection element 100 may include a fastener element 122, which mayinclude an aperture configured to receive a fastening device (e.g.,screw, bolt, etc.).

FIG. 28 illustrates another protection element 126 according to a fourthembodiment. The protection element 126 is installed on a faceplate 128that is configured to support plug receptacle cages 34. FIG. 29 is a topview of the fourth protection element 126 in use. A plurality ofpluggable modules 130 (e.g., similar to pluggable modules 10, 104) arepartially inserted into the sockets 38, the depth of which is restrictedby the protection element 126.

FIG. 30 shows a front isometric view of the fourth protection element126 and FIG. 31 shows a back isometric view. In this embodiment, theprotection element 126 includes a top arm 132, a first vertical element134 attached to one end of the top arm 132, and a second verticalelement 136 attached to the other end of the top arm 132. The secondvertical element 136 includes a foot 138 that is pointed toward thefirst vertical element 134. The second vertical element 136 alsoincludes a tab 140 that can be used to assist a user with removing theprotection element 126.

The protection element 126 in this embodiment may be used to only blockthe full insertion of the pluggable modules 130 arranged along one rowof sockets 38. If the pluggable modules 130 are arranged in multiplerows of sockets 38, one protection element 126 may be installed for eachrespective row. The protection element 126 is configured to bend easilyto enable the installation around the pluggable modules 130 and toenable the easy removal of the protection element 126. To remove theprotection element 126, the user may hold onto the tab 140 and pull thesecond vertical element 136 until the foot 138 is clear of the lastpluggable module 130 on that row. The top arm 132 may be configured tobend sufficiently to allow the foot 138 to disengage from the pluggablemodule 130.

FIGS. 32-34 show a connection indicator system 142. FIG. 32 illustratesa light pipe 144 that may be inserted into a pluggable module 146. FIG.33 shows the light pipe 144 incorporated into the pluggable module 146.The light pipe 144 may be part of the connection indicator system 142that may be used to indicate to a user when the pluggable module 146 hasbeen fully inserted into a respective socket (e.g., socket 38).

The light pipe 144 may include an entry 148 and an exit tip 150. Theentry 148 and exit tip 150 are connected via a first light path 152 anda second light path 154. Light received at the entry is emitted out theexit tip 150 via the first and second light paths 152, 154. As shown inFIG. 33 , the exit tip 150 is visible through a window at a front end ofa handle 156. The first and second light paths 152, 154 extend throughthe side portions of the handle 156 and partially through a head 158 ofthe pluggable module 146. The entry 148 receives light through a rearwindow at the back of the head 158. A body 160 of the pluggable module146 is inserted into a socket of a circuit pack 162, as shown in thecross-sectional side view of FIG. 34 . Other portions of the connectionindicator system 142 are also shown in FIG. 34 . When the circuit pack162 determines that the pluggable module 146 has been inserted such thatthe electrical interface 164 of the pluggable module 146 is electricallyconnected to a corresponding connector in the circuit pack 162, theconnection indicator system 142 is configured to illuminate a lightsource 166 (e.g., Light Emitting Diode (LED) or other suitable lightemitting device). The light from the light source 166 is directed towardthe entry 148 and is emitted out the front window at the exit tip 150 inthe handle 156. In some embodiments, the light source 166 may beconfigured to illuminate a green light when a good connection is made, ared light when no connection is made, and a yellow light if there is anerror with the connection.

FIG. 35 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a process 170that may be performed at a factory where the networking equipment ismanufactured or at a warehouse where the equipment is stored. Theprocess 170 may be performed to prepare the networking equipment forshipping, particularly the components described with respect to FIGS.1-34 where pluggable modules are intended to be installed in sockets ofa circuit pack. In this embodiment, the process 170 includes fastening afirst protection element (e.g., one or more shipping elements) to theface plate of a line card, as indicated in block 172. Fastening mayinclude using one or more screws, bolts, or other fastening elements tosecure the first protection element to the face plate. Also, if thefirst protection element includes a latch, the first protection elementmay be latched before or after it is fastened to the face plate. Theprocess 170 also includes inserting the pluggable modules into thesockets of a circuit pack supported by the line card until the steps (orbeveled edges) of the respective pluggable modules contact the firstprotection element, as indicated in block 174.

In an optional step, the process 170 may further include attaching fiberoptic cables to optical interfaces of the pluggable modules, asindicated in block 176. As described above, these steps put thepluggable modules in a position within the socket only far enough toprotect the pluggable modules but not fully inserted such that theelectrical contacts, pins, etc. of the pluggable modules are not engagedwith corresponding electrical contacts, pins, etc. of the circuit pack.In addition, the process 170 of preparing the networking equipment forshipment may include securing the pluggable modules at the partiallyinserted position so that they do not slip out of the sockets. Forexample, this may include using various materials, components, orelements for shipping to hold the pluggable modules in place withrespect to the respective line card.

FIG. 36 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a process 180 tobe performed at a data center for setting up the networking equipmentfor operation. Therefore, after preparing the networking equipment forshipment (e.g., using the process 170 of FIG. 35 ) and after shippingthe equipment to the operation site, the process 180 may be performed onsite to set up the equipment for use. The process 180 may includeunfastening the first protection element (e.g., the one or more shippingelements) from the face plate of the line card, as indicated in block182, which may include removing the screws, bolts, etc. The process 180also includes unlatching the first protection element, as indicated inblock 184, if the first protection element includes a latch.

Next, the process 180 may include removing the first protection elementfrom behind the pluggable modules, as indicated in block 186. Dependingon the particular embodiment of shipping element (or first protectionelement) being used, this step (block 186) may include differentprocedures. For example, some shipping elements may be removed bysliding them to one side or the other. Other shipping elements may beremoved by unfolding the arms and pulling the shipping element straightout. Still other shipping elements may be removed by bending portions ofthe shipping element until it is disengaged from the pluggable modules.

Once the shipping element or first protection element is removed, theprocess 180 may also include pushing the pluggable modules further intotheir respective sockets or slots until corresponding connectors areengaged, as indicated in block 188. In some embodiments, an additionalstep may include confirming that the connectors are properly engaged, asindicated in optional block 190. Confirming proper connection mayinclude utilizing the connection indicator system 142 described withrespect to FIGS. 32-34 .

Protecting Line Cards within Shelves

While FIGS. 1-36 are related to systems and methods for the use ofshipping elements (or first protection elements) that protect pluggablemodules in sockets of line cards, FIGS. 37-48 provide additional systemsand methods for other types of shipping elements. Specifically, theembodiments of FIGS. 37-48 are directed to protecting line cards withina shelf or cabinet of the networking equipment. The protection of theline cards in the shelves may be done for the same reasons as describedabove (i.e., to prevent excessive wear of connector elements duringshipment).

Therefore, for the preparation of shipping networking equipment, thepluggable modules may first be securely protected in the line cards(FIGS. 1-36 ) and then those line cards can then be securely protectedwith the shelves in which they are intended to operate. According toother embodiments, the order may be reversed, whereby the line cards maybe protectively installed in the shelf first and then the pluggablemodules may be protectively installed in the line cards. Thus, there maybe two (or more) levels of protection as described in the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 37 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of a shelf 200 havingline cards 202. Although the shelf 200 and line cards 202 as shown havea different configuration (i.e., rectangular) compared with the linecards (e.g., line cards 48, 72 having truncated corners), it should benoted that the embodiments described in the present disclosure may applyto any type of line cards and shelves having any suitableconfigurations.

The line cards 202 in this embodiment are configured to operate at adata center when they are fully installed within the shelf 200. However,as with the previous embodiments, the line cards 202 may be prepared forshipping by inserting the line cards 202 only partially within the shelf200 such that connectors on the line cards 202 are not seated incorresponding connectors of the shelf 200. Therefore, during theshipping process, the partial insertion keeps the connector elementsapart from each other to prevent unnecessary wear that may be caused byvibrations and other forces during transit.

The shelf 200 may include rails 204 that are used for guiding the edgesof the line cards 202 through the shelf 200 and aligning thecorresponding connectors for proper engagement. Also, the line cards 202include sockets 206 which may include pluggable modules alreadypartially inserted therein.

FIG. 38 shows a close-up view of the circled portion of the shelf 200shown in FIG. 37 . The protection elements in this embodiment mayinclude a card removal element 210, which may assist with sliding theline cards 202 back after shipment. The card removal element 210 may besecured to the sides of the shelf 200 using any suitable fasteningelements. The protection elements may also include shipping components212, which may include, for example, various packaging pieces (e.g.,foam, foam rubber, rubber, soft plastic, etc.). In particular, theshipping components 212 may be formed and arranged to provide afront-facing surface 216. Also, the protection elements may includepackaging tape 214 for holding the shipping components 212 to the cardremoval element 210.

FIG. 39 shows another view of the shelf 200 including protectionelements installed on the right side of the shelf 200. FIG. 40 shows aclose-up view of the circled portion of the shelf 200 shown in FIG. 39 .Therefore, the protection elements may be installed on the left side(FIGS. 37 and 38 ) and on the right side (FIGS. 39 and 40 ). Once theprotection elements (i.e., elements 210, 212, 214) are installed on theleft and right sides of the shelf 200, the line cards 202 can be pushedforward (i.e., along rails 204 on both sides of the shelf 200). The linecards 202 can be slid until a rear-facing side edges 218 of the linecards 202 contact front-facing surface 216 of the shipping components212. Thus, the shipping components 212 block the line cards 202 frombeing pushed fully into the shelf 200 to prevent the connectors on thebacks of the line cards 202 from engaging with the correspondingconnectors at the back of the shelf 200. The shipping components 212 mayhave a predetermined depth to prevent the line cards 202 from movingsubstantially the same distance toward the back of the shelf 200.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing the shelf 200 with an additional layer ofprotection elements installed. FIG. 42 shows a close-up view of aportion of the shelf 200 with the additional protection layer. Theembodiment of FIGS. 41 and 42 may be applicable for shelves (e.g., shelf200) where two line cards 202 may be installed side-by-side in a singlerow. Also, the shelf 200 may be configured to receive any number of rowsof the side-by-side line card pairs, whereby four rows are included inthe embodiment of FIGS. 37-42 , which can be identified by the number ofrows of rails 204 (FIG. 37 ).

Before each pair of side-by-side line cards are inserted, according tosome embodiments, a protection element 220 may be installed. In thisembodiment, the protection element 220 may include a clip 222 having aleft notch 224 and a right notch 226. The clip 222 can be insertedbetween the two side-by-side line cards 202 such that the left notch 224can be slid downward around a side edge (not shown) of a face plate ofthe left line card 202L and the right notch 226 can be slid downwardaround a side edge 228 of a face plate 230 of the right line card 202R.

Also, the protection element 220 includes a forward extension 232 thatextends out from the clip 222 toward the front of the line cards 202L,202R. A front spacer 234 is connected to the forward extension 232 ofthe protection element 220. The front spacer 234 may be used inconjunction with a bracket for protecting the line cards 202 during theshipping process. Also, the front spacer 234 may include an aperture 236for enabling connection with the bracket.

In addition, FIGS. 37-41 show a bracket holder 238L attached to a leftfront portion of the shelf 200 and another bracket holder 238R attachedto a right front portion of the shelf 200. The bracket holders 238L,238R are used for holding a shipping bracket as described below withrespect to FIGS. 43-46 .

FIG. 43 shows a view of the shelf 200 with a shipping bracket 240partially installed on a front of the shelf 200. FIG. 44 shows theshipping bracket 240 completely installed on the shelf 200. FIGS. 45 and46 show close-up views of some of the details of shipping bracket 240and protection element 220 shown in FIGS. 41 and 42 .

The shipping bracket 240 includes a hinge 242 on a left side thereof forpivotable connection with the bracket holder 238L that is attached tothe shelf 200. Also, the shipping bracket 240 includes a fastener 244that is configured to secure the right side of the shipping bracket 240to the bracket holder 238R that is attached to the shelf 200.

In some embodiments, the shipping bracket 240 may include windows 246 toaccommodate fiber optic cables connected to pluggable modules installedin the line cards. For example, the line cards 202 may be partiallyinstalled in the shelf 200 and the shipping bracket 240 may then beinstalled to hold the line cards 202 in place. Then, the pluggablemodules may be installed (e.g., with the protective elements describedabove) through the windows 246. In other embodiments, the shippingbracket 240 may be configured to allow the pluggable modules and fiberoptic cables to be partially installed first, such that the line cardscan be protectively secured thereafter without interfering with theinstalled fiber optic cables. Thus, the windows 246 may be replaced withconnecting arms or other structure to allow protection and easy removalwhen cables are already installed.

The shipping bracket 240 may also include standoffs 248. The standoffs248 may be connected at one end to a rear-facing side of the shippingbracket 240 and may be include rubber bumpers 250 at the other end. Therubber bumpers 250 may be pressed against front-facing portions of theline cards 202 or against the front spacers 234 of the protectionelements 220 installed between (or at the ends of) the side-by-sidepairs of line cards 202L, 202R. Fasteners 252 (e.g., screws) may be usedto fasten the shipping bracket 240 to the front spacers 234 (e.g., viathe apertures 236).

Therefore, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure,optical networking system are provided as well as protection apparatusconfigured to protect optical networking systems during a shippingprocess. In one embodiment, an optical networking system may include aline card having one or more sockets, where each of the one or moresockets includes a connector device. The optical networking system mayalso include one or more pluggable modules, where each pluggable moduleincludes an interface configured to connect with the connector device ofa respective socket when the pluggable module is fully seated in therespective socket. Also, the optical networking system may include afirst protection element configured to be held in place near a frontedge of the one or more sockets. The first protection element may beconfigured to allow the one or more pluggable modules to be arranged ina partially inserted position within the one or more respective sockets.Also, the first protection element may be further configured to blockthe one or more pluggable modules from being fully seated in the one ormore sockets to thereby prevent the interface of each of the one or morepluggable modules from contacting the connector device of the respectivesocket.

In this embodiment, the first protection element may be configured toenable the optical networking system to be shipped without connectorengagement between the interface of the one or more pluggable modulesand the one or more respective connector devices. The optical networkingsystem may further include shipping materials or shipping componentsconfigured to hold the one or more pluggable modules in the partiallyinserted position for sufficient physical and protective support duringshipping. The first protection element may be configured to protect theinterface and respective connector device during shipping by keeping theinterface and respective connector device apart from each other tothereby reduce damage to the interface and respective connector deviceon account of vibration and other forces that may be experienced duringshipping.

Furthermore, the first protection element may be removed with littledisplacement of the one or more pluggable modules from the partiallyinserted position within the one or more respective sockets. Each of theone or more pluggable modules may then be moved deeper into therespective socket to be fully seated in the respective socket when thefirst protection element is removed.

The first protection element of the optical networking system mayinclude at least a top arm arranged near a top edge of the one or moresockets. A step or abutment of each of the one or more pluggable modulesmay be configured to contact the top arm when the one or more pluggablemodules are arranged in the partially inserted position. The firstprotection element may include a latch for holding the first protectionelement in place near the front edge of the one or more sockets. Thefirst protection element may also include a tab configured to enable auser to remove the first protection element by pulling it in a sidewaysdirection.

In addition, the optical networking system may further include one ormore light emitting devices arranged at the front edge of the one ormore sockets. Also, a light pipe may be embedded in each of the one ormore pluggable modules, where each light pipe includes a rear-facingentry and a forward-facing exit. Each of the one or more sockets of thecircuit pack may be configured to detect when the interface of arespective pluggable module is fully engaged with the connector deviceof the respective socket. Each socket may then cause the respectivelight emitting device to create a light that is emitted through therear-facing entry of the light pipe of the respective pluggable moduleand out the forward-facing exit for indicating to a user that thepluggable module is fully seated in the respective socket.

According to additional embodiments, the optical networking system mayfurther include a shelf including one or more slots configured toreceive one or more line cards. Each line card may include a rearconnector configured for connection with a connection device at a backportion of a corresponding slot when the respective line card is fullyseated in the respective slot. A second protection element may beconfigured to be held in place near a front edge of the one or moreslots, where the second protection element is configured to allow theone or more line cards to be arranged in a partially inserted positionwithin the one or more respective slots. The second protection elementmay further be configured to block the one or more line cards from beingfully seated in the one or more slots to thereby prevent the rearconnector of each of the one or more line cards from contacting theconnection device of the respective slot.

FIG. 47 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a process 260 tobe performed at a factory or warehouse for preparing networkingequipment for shipping. This process may be performed in coordinationwith the process 170 of FIG. 35 that involves protectively installingpluggable modules partially into corresponding sockets. The process 260may be performed before, after, or at about the same time as theexecution of process 170, depending on the various embodiments ofprotection elements being used and the configurations thereof.

The process 260 includes a step of positioning shipping components onthe side edges of a front opening in a shelf, as indicated in block 262.The process 260 also includes sliding line cards into the shelf untilthe edges of the line cards abut the shipping components, as indicatedin block 264. The process 260 also includes installing one or more frontspacers on the front of the line cards, as indicated in block 266. Insome embodiments, a pair of line cards may be placed side-by-side in theshelf, whereby installing the front spacers may include installing someof these front spacers between each pair. Also, the process 260 includesinstalling a shipping bracket on the front of the shelf, which mayfurther include attaching the shipping bracket to the front spacers(step 268).

FIG. 48 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a process 270that may be performed at a data center or other site where thenetworking equipment is shipped. This process may be performed incoordination with the process 180 of FIG. 36 that involves setting upthe pluggable modules in their corresponding sockets. The process 270may be performed before, after, or at about the same time as theexecution of process 180, depending on the various embodiments ofprotection elements being used and the configurations thereof.

The process 270 involves setting up the networking equipment foroperation at the site. In this embodiment, the process 270 includesunfastening the shipping bracket from the front spacers and removing theshipping bracket, as indicated in block 272. Once the shipping bracketis removed, the process 270 may include removing the front spacers fromthe line cards, as indicated in block 274. Then, the process 270 mayinclude sliding the line cards slightly outward from the shelf, asindicated in block 276. The line cards may be slid out in side-by-sidepairs, one at a time, or all at once, depending on various features ofthe shipping components and arrangement of line cards in the shelf.Block 276 also includes the step of removing the shipping componentswhen the line cards move outward such that they are no longer pressed upagainst them. Also, the process 270 includes the step of pushing theline cards further into the shelf until the corresponding connectorsfully engaged.

Therefore, according to some embodiments, a method may be executed forpreparing an optical networking system for shipping. For example, themethod may include the steps of fastening a shipping element (or firstprotection element) to a face plate of a line card and inserting apluggable module into a socket of the circuit pack supported on the linecard until an abutment (e.g., a step or beveled edge) of the pluggablemodule contacts the first protection element.

This method may further include the step of attaching a fiber opticcable to an optical interface of the pluggable module. Also, the methodmay include the steps of positioning shipping components on side edgesof a front opening of a shelf and sliding the line card into the shelfuntil edges of the line card about the shipping components. The methodmay further include installing a front spacer on a face side of the linecard, installing a shipping bracket on a front portion of the shelf, andattaching the shipping bracket to the front spacer.

Therefore, it may be recognized that the processes 180, 270 greatlysimplify the installation process on site. Also, it may be recognizedthat with the pre-cabling and pre-installation processes by an expert ata factory (or warehouse), the operators on site may be able to easilyremove the protection elements and shipping components and complete thefull installation of the various connection plugs that are alreadyarranged with the correct matching components.

Thus, the spacers or protection elements are used for spacing thevarious matching components apart to protect the respective connectorsthereof. A spacer can be used for a group of pluggable modules (e.g.,QSFP-DDs). In some embodiments, the spacer or protection elements forthe pluggable modules may include a comb structure with outside tinesand a middle tine that is inserted between two rows of sockets.Therefore, this middle tine may be used to block movement of thepluggable modules by creating an abutment for the bottom step (e.g.,second step 27) or beveled edge of the pluggable module 10.

The protection elements may be screw onto the chassis or shelf thatsupports the circuit packs or plug receptacle cages according to someembodiments. Other embodiments may include simply sliding the protectionelements into place or sliding them out to remove them after shipping.Some embodiments may include latching mechanisms on the protectionelements so that they do not fall off during shipping. Again, theprotection elements can be easily removable by a user without unpluggingthe pluggable modules (e.g., QSFP-DDs). The protection elements may beconfigured to support and protect any type of pluggable modules,pluggables, or other types of plugs, such as Small Form-factor Pluggable(SFP) devices, C (centum) Form-factor Pluggable (CFP) devices, OctalSmall Form-factor Pluggable (OSFP) devices, or others.

Once the protection elements are used to enable plugs to be partiallyinstalled in their respective sockets, the present disclosure mayfurther allow the use of additional shipping materials or components.For example, the shipper may install tie wraps to secure bundles ofcable together and to secure these bundles to the rack. The bundlestiffness may prevent the pluggable modules from sliding out duringshipping. Also, the protection elements may include features configuredto hold onto the pluggable modules so that they do not slide off duringshipping and so that the pluggable modules can be held in place withintheir sockets. For example, the protection elements may include featuresthat re-create a latching mechanism that a cage (e.g., edge of socket orface plate) normally implements. As such, the pluggable module may latchonto the protection elements instead of the cage. However, in some uses,the DAC cable stiffness and bundling may be sufficient to keep thepluggable modules from falling out.

Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide advantagesover conventional shipping systems. The present embodiments provide anadvantage of solving complicated fibering issues and simplify the set-upprocess on site. Also, by partially connecting all of the parts of anentire network device (or a portion of the networking equipment) andshipping as one piece, the shipping strategies discussed herein may usemuch less shipping and packaging supplies, boxes, etc., and may therebybe more environmentally friendly.

Although the present disclosure has been illustrated and describedherein with reference to exemplary embodiments providing variousadvantages, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art that other embodiments may perform similar functions, achievelike results, and/or provide other advantages. Modifications, additions,or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methodsdescribed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure. All equivalent or alternative embodiments that fallwithin the spirit and scope of the present disclosure are contemplatedthereby and are intended to be covered by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pluggable module comprising: a body with anelectrical interface configured to be inserted into networkingequipment; a head connected to the body and including a handle; and alight pipe with an entry in or near the body, the light pipe configuredto provide light from inside the body to the handle.
 2. The pluggablemodule of claim 1, wherein the body includes a light source configuredto direct light towards the entry.
 3. The pluggable module of claim 2,wherein the light source is a Light Emitting Diode (LED).
 4. Thepluggable module of claim 2, wherein the light source is configured toilluminate when the electrical interface is connected to the networkingequipment.
 5. The pluggable module of claim 2, wherein the light sourceis configured to illuminate a green light when a good connection ismade, a red light when no connection is made, and a yellow light ifthere is an error with the connection.
 6. The pluggable module of claim2, wherein the light source is configured to illuminate a plurality ofdifferent colors.
 7. The pluggable module of claim 1, wherein the lightpipe includes a plurality of paths between the entry and the handle. 8.The pluggable module of claim 1, wherein the light pipe is embedded inthe handle.
 9. The pluggable module of claim 8, wherein the handle isflexible with the embedded light pipe.
 10. The pluggable module of claim1, wherein the light pipe supports a plurality of colors.
 11. Thepluggable module of claim 1, wherein the light pipe is configured toprovide light to a larger exit on the handle.
 12. The pluggable moduleof claim 1, wherein the light pipe includes an exit located at a frontof the handle.
 13. The pluggable module of claim 1, wherein thepluggable module is a Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP).
 14. Thepluggable module of claim 1, wherein the pluggable module is a QuadSmall Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP).
 15. The pluggable module of claim 1,wherein the pluggable module is an Octal Small Form-factor Pluggable(OSFP).
 16. A networking system comprising: a circuit pack including atleast one pluggable module; and the pluggable module includes a bodywith an electrical interface configured to be inserted into networkingequipment; a head connected to the body and including a handle; and alight pipe with an entry in or near the body and, the light pipeconfigured to provide light from inside the body to the handle.
 17. Thenetworking system of claim 16, wherein the body includes a light sourceconfigured to direct light towards the entry.
 18. The networking systemof claim 17, wherein the light source is configured to illuminate aplurality of different colors.
 19. The networking system of claim 16,wherein the light pipe includes a plurality of paths between the entryand the handle.
 20. The networking system of claim 16, wherein the lightpipe is embedded in the handle.